ITT offers field-tested lightweight countermeasures system to protect U.S. military aircraft from ground-based missile threats

CLIFTON, N.J., — ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT) has developed a groundbreaking countermeasures system to protect helicopters from shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missiles. This system, recently submitted as a candidate for the U.S. military’s Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) program, employs an innovative open-system architecture and rugged fiber optic technology to reduce weight while maintaining system reliability. The potential overall value of the CIRCM program is estimated at $1.5 billion.

As helicopters have become more instrumental in humanitarian, relief and military operations in remote and potentially dangerous locations around the world, the requirement for effective, lightweight defenses against ground-based threats has also increased. ITT’s solution results from a multi-year investment to design, develop and mature infrared countermeasures technology that will meet future needs while addressing the known deficiencies of legacy systems.

“Drawing on our 50 years of electronic warfare systems experience, we’ve integrated the best components from across the industry and have taken a truly modular approach to address the Army’s evolving infrared guided threats,” said Chris Bernhardt, president of ITT Electronic Systems. “Further, our system will move laser energy more efficiently and effectively through our use of advanced fiber optic technology, increasing system reliability while significantly reducing weight.”

The company has completed four rounds of testing on the system at a U.S. military facility, surpassing the CIRCM program’s reliability, temperature and modularity requirements. Video of the test exercises, along with more information on ITT’s infrared countermeasures solutions can be found at es.itt.com/circm.

These tests also demonstrated the effectiveness of ITT’s Modular Open Systems Architecture, which allows the system to integrate with a number of existing components and adapt to changing threat environments. In government-supervised field exercises, the ITT system operated successfully with several different missile warning systems and countermeasures lasers.

ITT’s Electronic Systems business provides innovative integrated solutions for the global defense, intelligence, information assurance and commercial aerospace sectors. As a leader in electronic warfare and communications, we leverage our experience and innovation to ensure the success of our customers’ critical missions. Our technology leadership extends into the areas of airborne electronic attack, networked and satellite communications, counter-improvised explosive devices, airspace management, surveillance systems, airborne and shipboard radar, acoustic sensors, advanced composite structures and electronic weapons interfaces.
About ITT Corporation

ITT Corporation is a high-technology engineering and manufacturing company operating on all seven continents in three vital markets: water and fluids management, global defense and security, and motion and flow control. With a heritage of innovation, ITT partners with its customers to deliver extraordinary solutions that create more livable environments, provide protection and safety and connect our world. Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., the company reported 2010 revenue of $11 billion. www.itt.com.